Sports shoe

ABSTRACT

A sports shoe comprising a soft upper associated with a rigid shell and a rigid plate, externally associated with the shell and with the upper, and interacting with two fasteners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a sports shoe, particularly a boot for skiing or snowboarding.

[0002] Ski boots or snowboard boots, usually constituted by a rigid shell to which a rigid quarter is rotatably associated, are currently used.

[0003] A soft innerboot is arranged inside the quarter and shell and the foot of the user can be inserted in the innerboot.

[0004] The quarter, which surrounds the lower part of the leg, is pivoted to the shell about an axis which is substantially horizontal and transverse with respect to the longitudinal extension of the shell, so as to allow a partial forward rotation of the quarter with respect to the shell.

[0005] Those conventional sports shoes have the particularly felt problem of achieving simultaneously two contrasting characteristics such as a high level of structural rigidity, which is necessary for optimum and immediate transmission of forces during sports practice, and a high level of comfort for the foot, not only during sports practice but also when resting, for example during pauses.

[0006] Moreover, walking, wearing conventional boots, in areas where skis are not worn, such as in buildings or when ascending with cableways or gondolas, is quite difficult because of the presence of the levers, which are usually four, adapted to fasten the flaps of the shell and of the quarter.

[0007] Those levers, which must be fastened tightly during sports practice, are uncomfortable when walking, because they prevent the natural motion of the foot. The user must therefore solve this problem by providing a different adjustment of the degree of fastening of the levers, which is awkward and time-consuming.

[0008] WO-96/03186 discloses a boot which can be associated with a snowboard and comprises a quarter articulated to a rigid shell. The shell is open in an upper region so that it can be coupled to a wraparound soft enclosure.

[0009] The rigid shell acts as a structural support for the ankle and heel of the user, and a supporting element is associated with the rigid shell in an upper region. Also the supporting element is rigid and protrudes vertically at the heel region for supporting the heel.

[0010] The soft wraparound enclosure can be supported laterally by a pair of supporting bands which are arranged obliquely so as to form a triangular configuration together with the rigid shell and the supporting element.

[0011] Although the above shoe improves the comfort of the user's foot, it has the main drawback of not being sufficiently rigid to ensure effective skiing.

[0012] In particular, the soft wraparound enclosure, arranged toward the front so as to cover the entire instep, is fully unsuitable for skiing and is awkward for snowboarding as well.

[0013] WO-97/32496 discloses a snowboard boot which comprises a flexible upper inside which a reinforcement structure is arranged.

[0014] The reinforcement structure is rigid and is constituted by a first reinforcement element, which is U-shaped and is arranged so as to wrap around the heel region and by a second reinforcement element which is rigidly coupled to the first element in an upper region and surrounds the lower part of the calf at the rear and supports it.

[0015] The first and second reinforcement elements are mutually connected by connecting means which ensure the flexibility of the reinforcement structure during forward flexing and at the same time ensure the rigidity of the structure during lateral flexing.

[0016] Also the above shoe is unsuitable for use as a ski boot, because it is not sufficiently rigid in the front part and therefore does not ensure optimum and immediate transmission of forces during sports practice.

[0017] IT-1,294,151 discloses a sports shoe constituted by a rigid supporting element which wraps around the sole and the sides of the foot and at least partially wraps around the rear part and the sides of the leg.

[0018] A soft upper is stably associated with the rigid supporting element and its flaps can be closed by means which are associated, at its ends, with the rigid supporting element and/or with the upper.

[0019] Such shoe, too, substantially has the same drawbacks cited above because it has an excessively flexible front part, especially for skiing, and provides a limited fastening action at the ankle and instep. Accordingly, such shoe does not ensure effective transmission of forces during sports activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above cited technical problems, by providing a sports shoe which ensures a high level of comfort for the user and yet maintains the rigidity required for optimum control of the sports implement.

[0021] Within this aim, an object is to provide a sports shoe which can be used easily and comfortably also for walking between a downhill run and the next, for example during ascents, during pauses or on the path leading to the lifts.

[0022] Another object is to provide a shoe which can be used, in its essential structure, both in skiing and in snowboarding.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to ensure optimum fastening of the shoe despite using a smaller number of levers than usually used in conventional sports shoes.

[0024] Another object is to provide a sports shoe which is structurally simple to manufacture and has low manufacturing costs.

[0025] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a sports shoe, characterized in that it comprises a soft upper associated with a rigid shell, at least one rigid plate being externally associated with said shell and said upper and interacting with two fastening levers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of a particular embodiment, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0027]FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a sports shoe, according to the invention, shown in a closed position and without fasteners;

[0028]FIG. 2 is a view similar to the preceding one but showing the show in an open position;

[0029]FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the sports shoe according to a first aspect of the invention, shown in a closed position;

[0030]FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a sports shoe, according to a second aspect of the invention, shown in an open position and without fasteners;

[0031]FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the sports shoe of the preceding figure, shown with fasteners and in a closed position;

[0032]FIG. 6 is a view similar to the preceding one, of the sports shoe shown in an open portion;

[0033]FIGS. 7 and 8 are rear perspective partial views of the lock/release means of the quarter, shown in a locking position;

[0034]FIGS. 9 and 10 are views similar to the preceding ones, but showing the means in a release position;

[0035]FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective, partially cut-out, view of the sports shoe of FIGS. 1-3 illustrated in a partially open condition;

[0036]FIG. 12 is a view similar to the preceding one but showing the sports shoe in a closed condition;

[0037]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the front plate of the sports shoe;

[0038]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the adjusting means;

[0039]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the adjusting means applied to the front plate;

[0040]FIG. 16 is a side view of the sports shoe of FIGS. 1-3 and 11-15;

[0041]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the front plate according to a further aspect of the invention;

[0042]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the front plate according to still a further aspect of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 designates a sports shoe which comprises a rigid shell 2 which is open in an upward region and partially wraps around the lateral regions 3 of the foot. Two supporting wings 4 protrude laterally to the shell approximately at the malleolar region 5.

[0044] A rigid sole 6 is monolithic or associated below the shell 2.

[0045] The reference numerals 7 a and 7 b respectively designate the front edge and the rear edge formed by the shell and by the pair of wings 4.

[0046] A first covering element 8 a and a second covering element 8 b are respectively associated with the front and rear edges. The covering elements are preferably soft and constitute an upper 8.

[0047] The first and second covering elements 8 a and 8 b are substantially nonrigid, in that they can be deformed to allow the insertion of the foot in the upper 8.

[0048] In this particular embodiment of the invention, a first front plate 9 a and a second rear plate 9 b are externally associated with the upper 8, and both are preferably made of rigid material.

[0049] The first and second plates 9 a and 9 b are externally associated with the respective first and second covering elements 8 a and 8 b by per se known means, such as gluing, stitching or riveting.

[0050] The first and second plates 9 a and 9 b are both connected, at a free end, to said shell 2 as well, preferably by riveting performed at the front region 10, and at the rear region 11, of the shell.

[0051]FIG. 3 illustrates the sports shoe 1 complete with fasteners, which may be constituted by a first fastening lever and a second fastening lever, designated by the reference numerals 12 a and 12 b, of a per se known type.

[0052] The first lever 12 a is arranged at the upper part of the pair of supporting wings 4 and therefore at the tibia. The first lever 12 a fastens a band 50 in which there is at least one slot 13, which is adapted to guide the sliding of a pin 14 which is associated with one of the supporting wings 4 during the opening and closure of the sports shoe 1.

[0053] The pin 14 is in fact provided with a head 15 which protrudes beyond the slot 13 and is larger than the slot, so as to keep the band 50 associated with the pair of wings 4 in the condition in which the first fastening lever 12 a is open.

[0054] The second fastening lever 12 b is instead arranged at the instep and is preferably inclined at approximately 45° with respect to the plane of the sole 6, so as to allow the first front plate 9 a to adhere to the shape of the foot and of the lower part of the leg of the user.

[0055] The second fastening lever 12 b is coupled, at its two ends, laterally to the shell 2, preferably proximate to the two regions arranged between the plantar arch and the heel, which are designated by the reference numeral 16 in FIG. 3.

[0056]FIGS. 11 and 12 are sectional views of said sports shoe 1 which illustrate the shape taken by the upper 8 when the first and second fastening levers 12 a and 12 b are closed.

[0057] Said figures show a first pair of folds 17 a, that are S-shaped and formed by the first covering element 8 a respectively at the first lateral edges 18 a of the first plate 9 a.

[0058] As the fastening of the levers 12 a and 12 b tightens, the first covering element 8 a slides over the upper surface 19 a, of the first plate 9 a, tensioning the covering element, because of the lowering of the plate 9 a toward the upper metatarsal region caused by the pressure applied by the levers 12 a and 12 b.

[0059] Likewise, the second rear covering element 8 b forms a second pair of folds, which are also S-shaped, respectively at the second lateral edges, not shown, of the second plate 9 b.

[0060] As the fastening of the levers 12 a and 12 b tightens, the second covering element 8 b also slides over the upper surface 19 b, of the second plate 9 b, tensioning the covering element.

[0061] Clearly, if the dimensions of the nonrigid upper 8 and the extent of the first and second pairs of folds 17 a and 17 b are the same, the wider said first and second plates 8 a and 8 b, the greater the fastening force that is applied.

[0062] A means 40 for adjustment and adaptation to the shape of the foot is movable along the first or second plates, 9 a and 9 b, according to the adjustment intended by the user.

[0063] The adjustment and adaptation means is constituted, for example, by a band or tubular element 41, illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, which is slidingly associable with the first or second plates and is suitable to improve the fastening of the levers 12 a and 12 b at the regions of the foot where the wraparound action of the sports shoe is less pronounced.

[0064] The tubular elements 41 can therefore slide and be positioned along all or part of the plate, which must have a connection to the upper 8 which allows said sliding.

[0065] Thus, for example, each of said first or second plates 9 a and 9 b can be rigidly coupled to the upper 8 only in one or more points or can be associated only along a central band thereof which is arranged longitudinally. With this constructive solution it is possible to use adjustment and adaptation means constituted by a C-shaped element 42 in FIG. 14, which is elastically deformable so that it can be added or removed easily according to the requirements.

[0066] According to a further constructive solution, the surface and/or the edge of the first and second plates are contoured so as to shape, directly during manufacture, the first and second plates 9 a and 9 b according to the generic shape of the foot.

[0067] In particular, as shown in FIG. 16, for an average user, the front plate 9 a might have a first narrower portion 43 and a second narrower portion 44 respectively at the ankle region 45 and at the toe region 46.

[0068]FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate two examples of the front plates, respectively 109 a and 209 a, each suitable for a specific shape of the upper metatarsal region and of the instep.

[0069] A detachable connection of the front plate 9 a, 109 a, 209 a to the upper 8 and to the shell 2 allows the user to choose, upon purchase or even at a later time, the plate whose shape is most suitable for his foot shape.

[0070] Operation is therefore as follows: with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in the condition in which the first and second fastening levers are open, the first and second covering elements 8 a and 8 b are deformed, so as to move mutually apart, in order to allow easy insertion of the user's foot in the sports shoe 1.

[0071] Likewise, comfortable walking is allowed when the fastening levers 12 a and 12 b are partially open, because the upper 8 allows easy flexing of the foot and ankle.

[0072] Upon closure of the first and second fastening levers 12 a and 12 b, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper 8 forms, at the lateral edges of the plates 9 a and 9 b, a pair of S-shaped folds 17 a and 17 b whose extension varies according to the fastening of the levers 12 a and 12 b.

[0073] The presence of said folds 17 a and 17 b allows to take up, and therefore tension, the covering elements. This, together with the motion of the plates 9 a and 9 b toward the foot and the leg, ensures effective closure of the sports shoe 1 around the foot and the leg, while maintaining good comfort both during sports activity and during pauses.

[0074] The wings 4 and of the two plates 9 a and 9 b, respectively at the front and at the rear, give the sports shoe 1 great structural rigidity, which is a necessary characteristic for optimum and immediate transmission of forces during sports activity.

[0075] In particular, the plates 9 a and 9 b allow a gradual distribution of the closure pressure, applied by the levers 12 a and 12 b, on the upper metatarsal region and on the leg; this considerably reduces the number of localized pressure points, enhancing comfort while maintaining an adequate degree of securing of the foot.

[0076] Gradual distribution of the pressure is achieved by the gradual approach of the two plates 9 a and 9 b respectively from the tip toward the upper metatarsal region and from the heel toward the calf.

[0077] It is also possible to optimize the fastening of the sports shoe around the foot and the lower part of the user's leg by interacting with the means for adjustment to the shape of the foot 40, or by adding, removing or shifting appropriate accessory elements, such as for example the tubular elements 41 or the C-shaped elements 42.

[0078] Said elements are used by the user according to his specific foot shape and are placed at the regions where the fastening force is less intense.

[0079] The presence of the pin 14, which interacts with the slot 13, allows to act easily and rapidly on the first fastening lever 12 a, avoiding any catching thereof on part of the upper 8 or of the wings 4.

[0080] It has thus been found that the invention has achieved the intended aim and objects, a sports shoe having been provided which is highly comfortable for the user while maintaining the rigidity characteristics required for optimum control of the sports implement.

[0081] The sports shoe according to the invention can also be used easily and comfortably for walking, for example during ascent on a cableway or gondola, during any pauses or along the path leading to the lifts.

[0082] The sports shoe according to the invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, within the scope of the appended claims.

[0083] Thus, for example, FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate a second embodiment, in which a sports shoe, designated by the reference numeral 101, comprises a quarter 120 articulated to a rigid shell 102.

[0084] The shell 102, which partially wraps around the lateral regions 103 of the foot, is open in an upper region and has two supporting wings 104 that protrude laterally to the shell, approximately at the malleolar region 105.

[0085] The reference numerals 107 a and 107 b respectively designate the front edge and the rear edge formed by the shell and by the pair of wings 104.

[0086] A first soft covering element 108 a is associated with the front edge 107 a and constitutes an upper 108.

[0087] A second covering element 108 b may be associated with the rear edge 107 b, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0088] The first and, optional, second covering elements 108 a and 108 b are nonrigid, in that they can be deformed to allow the insertion of the foot in the upper 108.

[0089] In this second embodiment of the invention, a front plate 109 is externally associated with said first front covering element 108 a and is preferably made of a rigid material.

[0090] The front plate 109 is also connected, at a free end, to the shell 102, preferably by riveting provided at the front region 110 of the shell.

[0091] The quarter 120 is arranged externally at the second rear covering element 108 b, if provided, or at the rear part of the innerboot, and is shaped complementarily to the rear part of the calf. Two wings 122, suitable for rotary lateral connection to said shell 102, protrude laterally from its lower end.

[0092] Said connection is provided by way of a per se known type of mechanical connection means, such as for example a pair of studs or pins arranged along the same axis which lies transversely to the shell.

[0093] The quarter 120 is associated on the outside of said second covering element 108 b, if provided, by per se known methods, such as gluing or stitching, so that a backward rotation of the quarter is matched by a widening of the upper.

[0094]FIG. 6 shows the sports shoe 101 complete with fasteners that may be constituted by a first fastening lever and a second fastening lever, designated by the reference numerals 112 a and 112 b.

[0095] The first upper fastening lever 112 a is arranged at the upper part of said sports shoe 101 and therefore at the tibia.

[0096] The second lower fastening lever 112 b is instead preferably arranged at the instep and is inclined, at approximately 45° with respect to the plane of arrangement of the sole, so as to allow said front plate 109 to adhere to the shape of the foot and of the lower part of the leg of the user.

[0097] At the region of the heel 123 of said shell there can be a device 124 for blocking the backward rotation of the quarter. The device 124 comprises a block 125 which is rotatably associated, at a first end 126 a, with a protrusion 127 which protrudes to the rear of the shell.

[0098] The second free end 126 b of the block 125 interacts with the lower edge 128 of the quarter 120 so as to limit its retraction, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, thus facilitating the skiing action of the user.

[0099] A tab 129 protrudes from the block 125, at the second end 126 b, and facilitates the grip of the block 125 in order to move it outward, so as to allow disengagement from the quarter 120, which can thus retract, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0100] A forward flexing of the quarter 120, with the consequent upward motion of the lower edge 128 above the height of the second end 126 b of the block 125, allows the block to reposition itself so as to interact with the quarter 120, for example by means of a return device, such as a cylindrical spring which is arranged coaxially to the pivot 130, by virtue of which the blocking device is rotatably associated with the protrusion 127, the return device facilitating the return of the block 125 to the blocking position.

[0101] The disclosures in Italian Patent Applications No. TV2000A000094, TV2000A000095, TV2000A000096 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference. 

1. A sports shoe, characterized in that it comprises a soft upper associated with a rigid shell, at least one rigid plate which interacts with fasteners externally associated with said shell and said upper.
 2. The shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said shell is open upward and partially wraps around the lateral regions of the foot, and has a pair of supporting wings.
 3. The shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that said pair of supporting wings protrude laterally to said shell approximately at the malleolar region, forming a front edge and a rear edge together with said shell.
 4. The shoe according to claim 3, characterized in that a first soft covering element which constitutes said upper is associated with said front edge.
 5. The shoe according to claim 4, characterized in that a first front plate, made of rigid material, is externally associated with said upper.
 6. The shoe according to claim 5, characterized in that said first plate is externally associated with said first covering element.
 7. The shoe according to claim 6, characterized in that said first plate is connected to said shell at a free end, by rivets provided at the front region of said shell.
 8. The shoe according to claim 7, wherein the first one of said two fastening levers, arranged at the upper part of said pair of supporting wings, is suitable to fasten a band, characterized in that at least one slot is formed in said band, said slot being suitable to guide the sliding of at least one pivot, which is associated with one of said supporting wings, during the opening and closure of said sports shoe.
 9. The shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that said pivot is provided with a head which protrudes beyond said slot and is larger than said slot, so as to keep said band associated with said pair of wings when the first fastening lever is open.
 10. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the second lever of said two fastening levers is arranged at the instep, characterized in that said second fastening lever is arranged obliquely with respect to the plane of the sole, so as to allow said first front plate to adhere to the shape of the foot and lower leg of the user.
 11. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein a rear quarter is rotatably connected to said shell, characterized in that a front rigid plate is externally associated with said shell and said upper.
 12. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second soft covering element is associated with said rear edge of said shell.
 13. The shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that said quarter is arranged externally at said second rear covering element and is shaped complementarily to the rear part of the calf, a pair of wings protruding laterally from its lower end, said wings being suitable for rotary lateral connection to said shell, by means of pivots arranged along the same axis which lies transversely to the shell.
 14. The shoe according to claim 13, characterized in that said quarter is associated externally with said second covering element so that a backward rotation of said quarter is matched by a widening of said upper.
 15. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a blocking device at the heel region of said shell, said blocking device being adapted to block the backward rotation of said quarter, said device being constituted by a block which is rotatably associated, at a first end, with a protrusion which protrudes to the rear of said shell.
 16. The shoe according to claim 15, characterized in that the second free end of said block interacts with the lower edge of said quarter so as to limit its backward movement, facilitating the forward flexing of the tibia with respect to the foot.
 17. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second rear plate, made of rigid material, is externally associated with said upper.
 18. The shoe according to claim 17, characterized in that said second plate is associated externally with said second covering element advantageously by gluing and/or stitching and/or riveting.
 19. The shoe according to claim 18, characterized in that said second plate is connected to said shell at a free end, at the rear region of said shell.
 20. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second lever of said two fastening levers, which is arranged downward, is coupled at its two ends laterally to said shell, proximate to the two regions located between the plantar arch and the heel, and is inclined by approximately 45° with respect to the plane of the sole.
 21. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second covering elements are nonrigid, in that they can be deformed in order to allow to insert the foot in said upper.
 22. The sports shoe according to claim 1, comprising a rigid shell which is provided with an upward opening, characterized in that said soft upper is associated with said shell in an upward region, at the edges of said opening, said at least one rigid plate being externally associated with said upper, said plate being provided with means for adjustment and adaptation to the shape of the foot, the regions of said soft upper that are adjacent to said at least one rigid plate being fastenable and movable toward each other over said at least one rigid plate upon closing said fasteners.
 23. The shoe according to claim 22, characterized in that the regions of said upper that are adjacent to said at least one rigid plate assume an S-shaped configuration upon closure of said fasteners.
 24. The shoe according to claim 22, characterized in that a first front plate, made of rigid material, is externally associated with said upper.
 25. The shoe according to claim 24, characterized in that said upper forms, at the lateral edges of said first plate, a first pair of folds which are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of said first plate.
 26. The shoe according to claim 25, characterized in that as the closure of said fasteners increases, said upper slides on the upper surface of said first plate, increasing the extension of each fold of said first pair of folds and therefore increasing the tension of said upper.
 27. The shoe according to claim 24, characterized in that said means for adjustment and adaptation to the shape of the foot are constituted by at least one band or tubular element which is slidingly associated with said first plate so as to increase its dimensions at the regions of the foot where the wraparound action of said sports shoe is less pronounced.
 28. The shoe according to claim 27, characterized in that said band-like or tubular elements can slide along all or part of said first plate, said first plate having a connection to said upper which is such as to allow said sliding.
 29. The shoe according to claim 28, characterized in that said connection between said upper and said first plate is provided only in one or more connection points, said band-like or tubular elements being able to slide along said first plate between two consecutive connection points.
 30. The shoe according to claim 22, characterized in that said means for adjustment and adaptation to the shape of the foot are constituted by at least one element which is C-shaped and is elastically deformable so that it can be added or removed rapidly according to the requirements.
 31. The shoe according to claims 24 and 30, characterized in that said C-shaped elements can slide along all or part of said first plate, said plate having a connection to said upper which is such as to allow said sliding or suitable guiding means.
 32. The shoe according to claim 28, characterized in that said connection between said upper and said first plate is provided only along a longitudinally arranged central band of said first plate which is suitable to form said guiding means.
 33. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second rear plate, made of rigid material, is externally associated with said upper.
 34. The shoe according to claim 33, characterized in that said upper forms, at the lateral edges of said second plate, a second pair of folds which are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of said second plate.
 35. The shoe according to claim 34, characterized in that, as the closure of said one or more fastening levers increases, said upper slides over the upper surface of said second plate, increasing the extension of each fold of said second pair of folds and therefore increasing the tension of said upper.
 36. The shoe according to claim 33, characterized in that said means for adjustment and adaptation to the shape of the foot are constituted by at least one band or tubular element which is slidingly associated with said second plate so as to increase its dimensions at the regions of the foot where the wraparound action of said sports shoe is less pronounced.
 37. The shoe according to claim 36, characterized in that said band-like or tubular elements can slide along all or part of said second plate, said second plate having a connection to said upper which is such as to allow said sliding.
 38. The shoe according to claim 37, characterized in that said connection between said upper and said second plate is provided only in one or more connection points, said band-like or tubular elements being able to slide along said second plate between two consecutive connection points.
 39. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said C-shaped elements can slide along all or part of said second plate, said plate having a connection to said upper which is such as to allow said sliding or suitable guiding means.
 40. The shoe according to claim 39, characterized in that said connection between said upper and said second plate is provided only along a longitudinally arranged central band of said second plate which is suitable to form said guiding means.
 41. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one plate has a surface and/or edge which is contoured so as to shape, directly during manufacture, said at least one plate according to a chosen foot shape.
 42. The shoe according to claim 41, characterized in that said first front plate has a first narrower portion and a second narrower portion respectively at the ankle region and at the toe region, so as to adapt to the chosen foot shape.
 43. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it provides for a detachable connection of said at least one plate to said upper and shell, thus allowing the user to choose each plate according to his foot shape.
 44. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, having at the fear a quarter which is rotatably associated with said shell at one end, characterized in that said quarter is externally associated with said upper.
 45. A sports shoe, according to claim 1, comprising a rigid shell which is provided with an opening in an upward region, characterized in that said soft upper is associated with said shell in an upper region, at the edges of said opening, said at least one rigid plate being externally associated with said upper, said soft upper being able to be tensioned over said at least one rigid plate upon closing said fasteners.
 46. The shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, provided in a rear region with a quarter which is rotatably associated with said shell at one end, characterized in that said quarter is externally associated with said upper.
 47. The shoe according to claim 46, characterized in that said upper forms a third pair of folds at said quarter.
 48. The shoe according to claim 45, characterized in that said soft upper is arranged uninterruptedly, starting from said edges of said shell, so as to cover said opening.
 49. The shoe according to claim 48, characterized in that said at least one rigid plate is associated with said soft upper in an upward region.
 50. The shoe according to claim 49, characterized in that at least upon closure of said one or more fastening levers said upper is folded at the longitudinal edges of said at least one rigid plate, forming a pair of mutually opposite flaps which affect at least partially the upper surface of said at least one plate.
 51. The shoe according to claim 50, characterized in that said flaps can slide toward each other during the closure of said fasteners levers, tensioning said soft upper. 